Coronado, the "Crown City," located a bridge away from downtown San Diego, offers a range of tempting dining options, from quirky and casual to elegant and urbane. Whether the mood calls for a romantically indulgent dinner, a leisurely al fresco brunch or a casual post-beach bite, Coronado's diverse array of over 70 eateries provides guests a meal as memorable as the island itself.

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ALLURING ALFRESCO DINING

Many of Coronado's restaurants offer alfresco dining where guests can soak up the sun and enjoy the island's refreshing ocean breezes.

• Guests can enjoy specially prepared meals of fresh coastal California cuisine at Current restaurant in the bayfront Coronado Island Marriott Resort, set against a spectacular backdrop of the San Diego skyline and sparkling waters of San Diego Bay.
• Located at the Coronado Ferry Landing, the patio at Il Fornaio boasts sparkling views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline, which pair perfectly with a menu of casually elegant Italian trattoria-style specialties.
• Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge on Orange Avenue, Coronado's main thoroughfare, brings urban chic to the island with a hip industrial look, sidewalk seating and a fresh flavorful menu of locally sourced, sustainable food with global influences created by Executive Chef Gregory Chavez.
• Tent City Restaurant on Orange Avenue serves eclectic California cuisine on a large outdoor patio located next to the Coronado Museum of History & Art.
• Ristorante La Terrazza on Orange Avenue specializes in traditional Italian fare served on its second-story patio deck overlooking Coronado village.
• Rhinoceros Café & Grill on Orange Avenue features the finest in American Bistro cooking along with classy outdoor seating.
• Saiko Sushi on Orange Avenue features a progressive Japanese menu of modern Asian-styled food, a sushi bar and quaint outdoor patio with prime views of the downtown San Diego skyline.

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ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS

When a Coronado visit warrants a romantic meal, the Crown City's fine dining restaurants offer sensational cuisine in refined settings with intimate atmospheres.

• With enchanting views of San Diego Bay, the downtown San Diego skyline and striking San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers a captivating and romantic backdrop for the modern French delicacies prepared by Master Chef of France Patrick Ponsaty.
• The signature restaurant of the romantic Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Ocean boasts views of the Pacific and a menu by new Chef de Cuisine Robert Hohmann that blends fresh regional ingredients to create contemporary Mediterranean flavors of Italy, France and Morocco.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Vigilucci's Ristorante Coronado serves Italian classics, prime steaks and seafood in a romantic setting enhanced by live music nightly from its martini lounge and piano bar.
• Located in the historic 1889 Carez Hizar House, Chez Loma offers a French bistro menu in a classically romantic, elegant setting.
• The perfect spot for a relaxed evening of romance, Sapori on Orange Avenue offers a new menu daily featuring contemporary takes on classic Italian dishes.
• Couples can cozy up in the peaceful Zen-like setting of Swadde Thai Restaurant on C Avenue and the intimate Yummy Sushi on Orange Avenue, where ocean view tables are perfect for catching a romantic sunset.

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SCRUMPTOUS SEAFOOD

Coronado's restaurants tempt diners with fresh local seafood and culinary delicacies served in styles ranging from upscale to casual, including tasty Baja-style fish tacos that are synonymous with the San Diego region.

• A leisurely lunch, happy hour or dinner at The Brigantine on Orange Avenue is a Coronado tradition. Their famous Brig fish tacos offer a choice of traditional breaded fish or the restaurant's signature grilled swordfish.
• Set on San Diego Bay with spectacular views of the downtown San Diego skyline, Peohe's specializes in fresh tropical seafood and Pacific Rim dishes, including innovative sushi. Al fresco dining is available on the expansive patio or in a dockside courtyard.
• Featuring an expansive patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sheerwater at the Hotel del Coronado features a menu focusing on fresh, sustainable seafood that is served on ice, pan roasted, sautéed or poached.
• Set in a landmark building on picturesque Glorietta Bay, the Coronado Boathouse 1887 serves a wonderful selection of seafood specialties.

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BBQ, BURGERS, BRAUTS AND BREWS

After a day at the beach, nothing is more tempting than smoky barbeque or a classic burger and hot dog paired with a cold frosty brew.

• The island's premier microbrewery, Coronado Brewing Company on Orange Avenue serves up pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, tacos and beer-infused brewpub fare like beer-battered onion rings and a stout burger, complemented by its award-winning craft beers like Coronado Golden, Mermaid's Red and Hoppy Daze.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Nicky Rottens Bar & Burger Joint serves hand-pressed burgers made from Grade A corn-fed Midwestern beef and uses fresh organic vegetables and house-made sauces to bring out fresh robust flavors.
• Located on Orange Avenue, the "vintage industrial" English pub The Tavern and local favorite McP's Irish Pub are the perfect spots for a quick pint while noshing on hearty pub fare like fish 'n chips, burgers, shepherd's pie, mac & cheese with breadcrumb topping and more.
• Set amidst chic modern décor, Burger Lounge on Orange Avenue serves up grass-fed beef burgers, house-cut fries and shakes made with real ice cream.
• Delux Gourmet Hot Dogs Coronado on Orange Avenue serves up hand-crafted, gourmet Vienna Beef hot dogs in home-style baked buns. A popular favorite is The Tokyo dog with teriyaki glaze, Japanese mayo, grilled onions, sesame seeds, dried seaweed chips and Sriracha sauce.
• Lil' Piggy's Bar-B-Q at the Coronado Ferry Landing specializes in barbecue styles from around the nation and pairs them with tasty treats like smoked, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and corn fritters with honey butter.
• A favorite among the Navy SEALs who train in Coronado, Danny's Palm Bar & Grill on Orange Avenue serves up a "dive bar" burger that is considered by many to be one of the best on the island.

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BOUNTIFUL BRUNCHES AND CLASSIC BREAKFASTS

Coronado's brunch and breakfast options range from incredible spreads at luxury resorts to casual neighborhood eateries.

• On Sundays, the Hotel del Coronado's majestic Crown Room boasts a lavish buffet fit for all the royalty, celebrities and presidents who have stayed over the years at the historic hotel. Options include caviar and crab legs, made-to-order waffles and omelets, sushi, dim sum, smoked salmon and succulent prime rib.
• At Loews Coronado Bay Resort's Market Cafe, guests can enjoy a special "Breakfast at Loews" menu of griddle favorites like French toast with roasted Granny Smith apples and bourbon fluff, local Mexican favorites like huevos tostados and farm-fresh egg dishes like a wild mushroom frittata.
• Guests looking for a slice of classic Americana and a basic, old-fashioned breakfast look no further than Clayton's Coffee Shop on Orange Avenue featuring traditional diner fare in a setting that recalls the 1950's with its tabletop jukeboxes.
• For a casual brunch, the intimate patio of the Crown Bistro on Orange Avenue offers great views for people watching along with gourmet breakfast fare like Bananas Foster French toast and New York steak and eggs.

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SOUTH OF THE BORDER FLAVORS

With the international border located just 15 miles south of Coronado, food lovers have several choices for fun, festive Mexican fare in Coronado.

• Tucked inside a lush courtyard off Orange Avenue, Miguel's Cocina is a Coronado favorite for its award-winning Mexican food, tasty margaritas and lively patio dining.
• Perched along the water's edge at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Candelas on the Bay offers upscale Mexico City-style cuisine complemented by floor-to-ceiling views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.
• Located on Orange Avenue, Costa Azul is a perennial favorite that serves up traditional Mexican dishes in a laid-back island atmosphere.
• Also located on Orange Avenue, Villa Nueva Pastry Cafe is known for their huevos rancheros and delicious street tacos that are sold every Friday night on the front sidewalk.

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SWEET TREATS

Whether guests want to expand their culinary horizons or simply satisfy a sweet tooth, Coronado has the perfect spot for indulgence between or after a meal.

• The new Fabrison's French Creperie Café on Adella Avenue serves up a mouthwatering range of dessert crepes, from dark chocolate and Nutella to lemon with powdered sugar and fresh seasonal fruits.
• At the Hotel del Coronado's ENO Wine Room, guests can sample handcrafted truffles and chocolates and wines and cheeses from around the world and join regularly scheduled "Eno-versity" tasting classes that are designed to enlighten and indulge.
• Family friendly Fuzziwig's Candy Factory on Orange Avenue serves up sweet handmade treats including fudge, turtles, several varieties of caramel apples and their signature "Coronado Crunch," made with white or milk chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows and rice krispies and drizzled in more chocolate.
• Located on C Avenue, Nado Gelato Café serves up scoops of Italy's famous frosty treat, made fresh daily. Selections include creamy versions of classics like tiramisu and pistachio and vegan versions of fruity melon and pineapple flavors.
• With locations on Orange Avenue and at the Hotel del Coronado, MooTime Creamery is a local favorite tempting guests with frozen yogurt and house-churned ice cream that is mixed-to-order with a variety of toppings including candy, nuts and fresh fruit.
• A quaint European-style bakery and bistro on First Street, Tartine features a fantastic selection of decadent cakes, tortes, tarts and other sweet, savory items.

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DINE AROUND

With so many culinary choices in Coronado, it may be difficult to select just one. Luckily, there are a few fun and convenient ways to sample the island's cornucopia of cuisine.

• Bite San Diego offers a delectable sampling of Coronado's culinary offerings from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The tour stops at Peohe's, Saiko Sushi, Coronado Firehouse Bar and Grill, Alexander's Pizza, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory and Coronado Taste of Oils, which specializes in gourmet olive oils and vinegars from around the world. Tickets are $45 per person.
• SoCal Food Tours offers a "Coronado Culinary & Nutrition Walking Tour" at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays and 2 p.m. on Sundays throughout the year. The tour features samples from Costa Azul, Coronado Taste of Oils, WineStyles and Café 1134. Tickets are $49 per person.
• Each October (2013 date TBA), guests can enjoy "island fare in the ocean air" during the popular annual Taste of Coronado, featuring over a dozen local restaurants, including Peohe's, Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge, Clayton's, Vigilucci's and Candelas on the Bay. Shuttles transport guests between restaurants; tickets are $35 per person in advance and $40 day of event.

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Happiness is calling in Coronado. For more information on dining in Coronado, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority's website, www.sandiego.org/coronado, download the free Coronado app at www.coronadotourismdistrict.org or call 619-236-1212.

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